TO KNEEL OR STAND - IS IT A QUESTION?

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If you don’t pay much attention to sports, chances are, over these past two weeks, you have been bombarded from the news, social media, and possible conversation over San Francisco 49ers football player Colin Kaepernick. Ringing any bells? Perhaps you’ve seen as many messages of support such as #VeteransforKapernick and memes with the outline of his silhouette now proudly sporting a FRO. Maybe you’ve even seen his now best-selling NFL jersey flying off the shelves. It could be the latter in which you’ve seen posts, tweets, and comments calling him everything from un-American and un-Patriotic, traitor, and my favorite “not really being Black,” (since he is biracial) regarding his current stance in choosing to sit down/take a knee during the national anthem. If you scroll through some of the tamer social media posts, this doesn’t even rock the tip of the iceberg regarding how vicious people have been in their judgement of his protest.

The act of defiance has sparked national conversation regarding the history of the anthem and what it means to be an American in the 21rst century. The question many sports fans are wondering is…  How should our athletes behave regarding political statements? Is it too far? Is the flag so sacred that Kaepernick’s act is toting a dangerous line? It’s been pointed out that Kaepernick is not the first athlete to make a stance in times of social justice with revered athletes like Muhammad Ali and Jackie Robinson immortalized for their bravery in times of adversity. Athletes using their platform to make a statement has been one that many sports fans have been calling for in light of increased brutality and victimization of minorities in the past few years.

Kaepernick states: “To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way,” he said late last month. “There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Despite pointing out several times that he has no mal intent or disrespect towards military members, many fans have pointed out the flag represents universal freedoms, beliefs, and ideals that reflect who we are as Americans. His jersey is being worn in support as much as people are buying it to stomp on it, burn it, and trash it to show their distaste for his stance. Celebrities, fellow athletes, musicians and politicians have even contributed thoughts on the statement that has caused an interesting ripple of effect of actions we’re now seeing at football games. J. Cole, Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Steph Curry, Kareem Abdul Jabar and Tina Knowles are just a few who have been in support of the athlete by wearing his jersey or offering thoughtful insight into the conversation at hand.

Kaepernick’s choice in taking a knee has caused unwavering doubt and conversation regarding those inherent liberties extended to all Americans-yet is not reflected in the current way our political and socioeconomic community has been. When prompted with questions regarding Kaepernick’s choice, President Obama stated: “He’s exercising his constitutional right to make a statement. I think there is a long history of sports figures doing so.”

Coming from a firm and long standing history of military members in my family as well as residing in Fort Hood, Texas (the largest army base in the world)- I do understand the perspective that Kaepernick’s actions could be perceived as disrespectful. However; if he had completed the action without context or regard for his choice outside of social justice endeavors, I would be upset. That’s not the case. He has stated on many occasions this specific choice is not because he doesn’t respect or acknowledge the ongoing sacrifice of our military servicemen, but does want the sacrifices that are made in regards to our liberties and freedoms extended to everyone. Regardless of what your personal opinion is on the matter, we can all agree that living in the United States alone does not ensure those inalienable rights are granted to all, not in the least. If you don’t agree with me, I’d suggest looking to the left and right of you, turning on the TV, listening to the conversations we have on justice and race. Do the freedoms, liberties, and justice you hold close to you and think of regarding the flag ring true for everyone? If you have to think twice…you may want to reconsider how valid Kaepernick’s platform is right now and how to engage the true heart of that conversation.

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#Perfect Never- Why Ronda Rousey’s changing up the winner take all motto

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Ronda Rousey was the hottest thing our generation had seen bringing a new face, attitude, spirit, and mold to the world of UFC fighting. In 2015 with guest spot in late night shows, movie cameos, magazine covers, and a 12-0 record, she was undefeated and unmatched. She may have not been everyone’s cup of tea but she brought a competitive edge and unique fierce athleticism to an underserved sport in mainstream media. It was only after her infamous knockout to Holly Holms that set social media ablaze and Rousey was into a corner which she had never been accustomed to in her career…defeat.

Now after her “career defining loss,” there is buzz that she could be returning to the Octagon at the end of 2016 or as early as 2017 possibly facing Amanda Nunes. This amazing new ad that was just dropped Monday definitely teases the prospect of her comeback and is giving the world a possibly humbled Rousey. For an athlete who prided herself on peak performance and commitment to her craft it’s impressive to see her literally taking all the make-up off and taking claim over her flaws. You may not have liked the Rousey of yesteryears but this campaign #PerfectNever gives an ideal that all women and athletes alike can adopt into their own lifestyle. 

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NEW NIKE SPOT 'DA DA DING' FEATURES LEADING FEMALE, INDIAN ATHLETES

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I am totally in love with the new Nike spot 'Da Da Ding' by ad agency Wieden+Kennedy India. W+K has long been Nike's ad agency, but this is the first spot out of the India office. The commercial was directed in a music video style by Francois Rousselet. The beat and the music is amazing, at first I thought it was a Neptunes/Missy collabo but it is actually the rapper Gizzle and producer Gener8ion. 

The Creative Director on the commercial, Mohamed Rizwan, said in a statement: 

"Sport in India has a massive image problem, particularly for women. What we set out to do is give it a complete makeover by making it cool, accessible and fun. To that end, we commissioned some of the best image makers and musicians, and got together a crew of women that best represent sport in India right now."

The tone is energetic and uplifting. I love sports and I love to watch badass women breaking stereotypes. It is important for young girls to see strong women from their country, from their cities, destroying barriers and building confidence through sports. 

Actress Deepika Padukone, who played national-level badminton before taking the plunge into acting confirms this message by sharing, 

“Everything I am today and everything I have achieved comes from my years of playing sport. My goals, my commitment, my focus, my dedication, my discipline, my sacrifices, my hard work. All of it, I’ve learnt it all through sport. Sport has also taught me how to handle failure and success. It has taught me how to fight. It has made me unstoppable!”

One part of the video I felt was particularly impactful was when they zeroed in on one of the female athlete's tanned face with the lyric: 

"I ain't worried about getting a tan because I'm still just as beautiful man." 

In many cultures of course lighter skin has been established as what is more beautiful and therefore girls playing outside all day in the sun has been frowned upon. I love that this issue was addressed. 

Here is the group of women featured in the ad: 

The featured athletes L to R: Joshna Chinappa, Shweta Hakke, Rani Rampal, Gabriella Demetriades, Ishita Malaviya, Jaie Bhadane, Deepika Padukone, Naina Mansukhani, Swetha Subbiah, Jyoti Ann Burrett and Tanvie Hans. 

And if you are like me and can't get enough of that beat here is the song on Soundcloud! 

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TIME TO GROW UP CAM NEWTON

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Full disclosure here, I am a ride or die Denver Broncos fan. So I was definitely watching last night’s game hoping Cam Newton would lose and I got my wish. However, I was hoping to see him lose with class. I wanted him to prove everyone wrong about his attitude. I think he has been judged harsher than other quarterbacks because he is African-American, and no of course that is not fair. He should not have to live up to a higher standard than everyone else in his same position. But he should be expected to act with professionalism, as should every other team leader. Last night I wanted him to emerge as a humble professional who could be the emotional leader of his team. But that didn’t happen.

For the record I don't mind his cocky antics during the games, I love the dabs, I think the flash and personality is what makes him unique. To me it shows passion, adrenaline, and his love for the game. I also have no doubt that if I was born with  the physical gifts that he has I too would think I was god's gift to sport. But that doesn't excuse his post game behavior. Now I saw him shake hands with Peyton on the field and he was even smiling, but somewhere between that moment and his time at the press conference his mood changed significantly. 

We’ve seen many players lose with grace, fight back tears at that podium while still doing their job of speaking with the media. In fact, 2 of Cam Newton’s teammates, Josh Norman and Luke Kuechly, showed up for their post game press conference like professionals. Dressed in suits, visibly upset, but still showed class and leadership for their teammates.

I love this point my friend Rick Brewer made on Facebook, and I agree 100%. 

Yes this man is 26 years old, which someone people will argue as an excuse for his behavior. But let's be serious, 26 is a grown ass man. He is also a father and the leader of a team of 50+ grown men. Let's not forget that he is also paid millions of dollars to represent himself, his team and his organization like a leader. He let them all down. 

I will also add that Cam Newton is not the only one who behaved badly. The Broncos defensive star Aqib Talib also made a pretty tasteless comment and showed classlessness on the winning side. His quote is in the image to the right. In addition to this he also cost the Broncos a lot of yards in the first half of the game for classless plays on the field. He needs to learn what it means to be a humble winner and should take some lessons from teammates like DeMarcus Ware (my current crush;), Demaryius Thomas and Peyton Manning. 

I hope parents and coaches will use this an example to teach their kids how to act when they win or lose. Each of us is going to experience disappointment in life and we will be judged by how we react to that failure. Judged at the same level as Cam? No, but that comes along with being a public figure. No one is perfect all the time and yes when you are on a big stage you get judged by different standards. But truly I hope Cam turns this experience into something positive. He is going to have a long and hugely successful career in football. He is a superstar. I hope he takes the off-season to learn from the greats who have come before him and changes his approach as a leader in victory and in defeat. 

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